GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide, sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy) have gained remarkable attention for their ability to help people shed unwanted pounds by curbing appetite and improving blood sugar balance.
However, from an integrative health standpoint, there’s more to sustainable weight loss than simply taking a shot once a week—though these medications can be a game-changer, it’s crucial to take a whole-person approach and work with a specialist on an ongoing basis.
Below are key considerations that will help you make the most of these medications in a safe, physician-approved way.
1. Prioritize Strength Training to Protect Your Bones and Muscles
One of the biggest pitfalls with rapid weight loss—whether it’s from GLP-1 drugs or otherwise—is losing valuable muscle mass (a condition called sarcopenia) along with fat. Muscle isn’t just about appearance; it is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, keeping balance as you age, and maintaining bone density.
This leads us to two big considerations that are critical to pair with GLP-1 weight loss:
- Incorporate resistance or strength workouts at least two or three times a week. This helps offset muscle loss and supports healthy bone density.
- Optimize protein intake to aid muscle maintenance. Since GLP-1 drugs can dampen your appetite, it’s crucial that whatever you do eat is protein-rich and nutrient-dense.
At the Marcus Institute, we believe that body composition, including muscle and fat, need to be carefully tracked during GLP-1 weight loss to ensure any significant muscle loss or loss of bone density can be quickly detected and addressed. We utilize high-tech methods for tracking all patients in our Integrative Weight Management program.
2. Address Any Binge Eating or Emotional Eating
Emotional or binge eating can sabotage even the best medical interventions. GLP-1 drugs do suppress appetite, but they don’t necessarily address the root causes of stress eating. We have several tools that we offer to our weight loss patients at the Marcus Institute:
- Therapeutic support can help you identify triggers and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or journaling can assist in reducing stress and improving your relationship with food.
3. Work with an Integrative Health Physician for Nutritional Guidance, Check-Ups, Labs, Access to Safe Medications, and More
An integrative weight management program—like the one offered at The Marcus Institute of Integrative Health in Philadelphia and Villanova, PA—goes beyond writing a prescription and sending you on your way. Our physicians look at your body as a whole, monitoring your progress and personalizing each step of your weight loss journey.
While any physician can prescribe GLP-1 medications (including many seeing patients virtually), healthy and sustainable weight loss requires a much more comprehensive approach. Here are some key ways that our weight loss experts support our patients’ well-being and success:
Checking for Contraindications
Not everyone is a good candidate for GLP-1 medications. Some medical conditions—such as certain thyroid cancers, pancreatitis, severe kidney disease, or a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia—may prevent you from safely using them.
A thorough medical evaluation is crucial; patients in our Integrative Weight Management Program work closely with integrative medicine physicians who are specialists in GLP-1 weight loss, including during regular 60-minute check-ups.
Nutrition and Micronutrients
While GLP-1 drugs reduce overall appetite, you still need a balanced and nutrient-dense diet to prevent deficiencies. Your physician and nutrition team can track your micronutrient status to ensure your body is getting enough vitamins and minerals despite eating less food.
We’ll also guide you toward a realistic exercise regimen that incorporates strength training to protect your bones and muscles.
Gut Health
A balanced gut microbiome plays a significant role in metabolism and weight regulation. An integrative approach includes assessing your gut health and possibly recommending probiotics or dietary adjustments to support beneficial bacteria.
Hormonal Balance
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight can be tied to hormonal imbalances beyond blood sugar (e.g., thyroid issues or cortisol levels). Your integrative physician may run labs to check hormonal function, ensuring no hidden issues stand in the way of your progress.
Help You Access Affordable Meds Safely
GLP-1 drugs can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. Your care team can explore options such as manufacturer discounts, insurance plans, or even reputable compounding pharmacies so that you receive safe, effective medication at a manageable cost.
Our Philadelphia Integrative Weight Management Program »
Considering GLP-1 Medications to Reboot Your Metabolic Health?
When paired with customized recommendations, nutritious eating, strength training, meaningful support, and ongoing medical monitoring, GLP-1 drugs can serve as a powerful tool to “reboot” your metabolism. Rather than a quick fix, think of them as a catalyst for healthy, long-term lifestyle changes.
Set yourself up for sustained success and overall wellness well beyond the final dose—contact us today to get started!
